Ben Stokes retains vice-captaincy for tour of Australia despite late-night arrest after 3rd ODI in Bristol
Wednesday 27 September 2017 21:29, UK
England have named three uncapped players in the squad for this winter’s Ashes tour, while James Vince and Gary Ballance earn a recall.
Surrey wicketkeeper Ben Foakes will provide back-up to Jonny Bairstow, while Hampshire leg spinner Mason Crane is one of two specialist spinners in the squad.
The third of the three uncapped players is Somerset pace bowler Craig Overton, included in place of Mark Wood who has been struggling with an ankle injury. Nottinghamshire's Jake Ball is also included after a back problem ruled out Toby Roland-Jones.
Ben Stokes remains as vice-captain despite his late-night arrest in Bristol on Sunday.
Crane, 20, has played two T20 internationals for England and was an unused member for the Test series against the Windies, will now bid to earn a place in the Ashes side alongside Moeen Ali.
He has played just seven first class matches for Hampshire this season taking 16 wickets at 43.87 apiece but impressed when he became the first overseas player to represent Australian state side New South Wales for 32 years this winter.
Vince gets the nod despite averaging just 19 runs from seven Tests before he was dropped after last summer's series against Pakistan and replaces Tom Westley in the 16-man squad.
Yorkshire batsman Ballance is also back in contention after suffering a fractured finger in the second Test against South Africa in July, with Dawid Malan and Mark Stoneman also included despite struggling to score runs consistently for England over the summer.
"A tour of Australia is the ultimate test for our squad. We have provided Joe Root and Trevor Bayliss with a well-balanced squad with options in all areas," said National Selector James Whitaker.
"After a successful summer, having won the Test series against South Africa and West Indies, there is real competition for places and we have selected a squad that will work hard and compete against Australia, aiming to win the Ashes.
"Surrey's Ben Foakes deserves his selection for the first time at this level. His glovework has been exemplary and he is regarded as a wicketkeeper of the highest quality.
"He has the ability to contribute with the bat scoring over 680 runs in the Championship this summer at an average of 45.33.
"Craig Overton, who like Foakes has come through the international pathway, has been involved in the England set-up this summer with the Lions and the IT20 squad. He will now get his chance at Test level.
"We have been impressed with the way he has led Somerset's attack over a long period of time. He has taken 43 Championship wickets this summer and will relish playing in Australian conditions.
"The selectors are backing James Vince to make an impact on his recall to the Test squad. He is a quality strokeplayer and we believe his game will suit the Australian pitches.
"His understanding of the England set-up will help him settle into the environment quickly and hit the ground running when we arrive in Perth next month."
In addition to current full-time members of staff, former New Zealand fast bowler Shane Bond has been appointed fast bowling consultant and will be part of the England management team up to the end of second Test in Australia.
Former England one-day captain Paul Collingwood will take a coaching role during the Test series and the ODIs against Australia.
Kent's head coach, Matt Walker, will assist England management for the IT20 Tri-Series in Australia and New Zealand.
England Ashes squad:
Joe Root (Yorkshire) - captain
Moeen Ali (Worcestershire)
James Anderson (Lancashire)
Jonny Bairstow (Yorkshire)
Jake Ball (Nottinghamshire)
Gary Ballance (Yorkshire)
Stuart Broad (Nottinghamshire)
Alastair Cook (Essex)
Mason Crane (Hampshire)
Ben Foakes (Surrey)
Dawid Malan (Middlesex)
Craig Overton (Somerset)
Ben Stokes (Durham)
Mark Stoneman (Surrey)
James Vince (Hampshire)
Chris Woakes (Warwickshire)
